Global Learning Takes Centre Stage at 3rd Dr Éamon Phoenix Memorial Lecture

Stranmillis University College hosted the third Dr Éamon Phoenix Memorial Lecture on Tuesday 28 January, welcoming educators, researchers, students and members of the wider education community for an evening focused on curriculum reform and global learning.

Established in 2023 in memory of Dr Éamon Phoenix—renowned historian and fondly remembered former Principal Lecturer and Head of Lifelong Learning at Stranmillis—the annual lecture series honours his legacy of scholarship, public engagement and lifelong learning.

The event featured a ministerial address from Paul Givan MLA, Minister of Education, who reflected on current priorities for education in Northern Ireland and the importance of informed debate as curriculum reforms continue to develop.

The keynote lecture, ‘Global Learning for Transforming Curriculum in Northern Ireland’, was delivered by Lucy Crehan, International Director at the Centre for Education Systems, and author of the critically acclaimed book Cleverlands: The Secrets Behind the Success of the World’s Education Superpowers. The presentation was followed by an interview conducted by Stranmillis University College Principal and CEO, Prof. Jonathan Heggarty MBE, offering further reflection on the themes raised during the evening.

The programme also included an update on the work of the Dr Éamon Phoenix Foundation, delivered by Alice Phoenix and Prof. Noel Purdy OBE.

Commenting on the evening, Prof. Jonathan Heggarty said, “We were delighted that Minister Givan and Lucy Crehan joined us for the 3rd Dr Éamon Phoenix Memorial Lecture, where they addressed forthcoming developments in education in Northern Ireland. Dr Phoenix was a distinguished educator who consistently promoted excellence in teaching, learning, research, and scholarship. The presentations delivered this year provided a very helpful context to the ongoing curriculum review and wider TransformEd NI strategy.”

The evening concluded with closing remarks, marking a thoughtful and well-attended event that celebrated Dr Éamon Phoenix’s enduring contribution while looking ahead to the future of curriculum development in Northern Ireland.